Acute Skin Failure in the Critical Care Patient.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to build on previous work regarding predictive factors of acute skin failure (ASF) in the critically ill population. METHODS: Researchers conducted a retrospective case-control study with a main and validation analysis. Data were extracted from the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System. For the main analysis, there were 415 cases with a hospital-acquired pressure injury (HAPI) and 194,872 controls without. Researchers then randomly selected 100 cases with a HAPIs and 300 controls without for the validation analysis. A step-up logistic regression model was used. Researchers generated receiver operating characteristic curves for both the main and validation analyses, assessing the overall utility of the regression model. RESULTS: Eleven variables were significantly and independently related to ASF: renal failure (odds ratio [OR], 1.4, P = .003), respiratory failure (OR, 2.2; P = < .001), arterial disease (OR, 2.4; P = .001), impaired nutrition (OR, 2.3; P = < .001), sepsis (OR, 2.2; P = < .001), septic shock (OR, 2.3; P = < .001), mechanical ventilation (OR, 2.5; P = < .001), vascular surgery (OR, 2.2; P = .02), orthopedic surgery (OR, 3.4; P = < .001), peripheral necrosis (OR, 2.5; P = .003), and general surgery (OR, 3.8; P = < .001). The areas under the curve for the main and validation analyses were 0.864 and 0.861, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The final model supports previous work and is consistent with the current definition of ASF in the setting of critical illness.

Refining Heel Pressure Injury Risk Factors in the Hospitalized Patient.

OBJECTIVE: To replicate previous research that found four independent and significant predictors of heel pressure injuries (HPIs) in hospitalized patients using a larger and more diverse patient population. METHODS: Researchers conducted a retrospective, case-control study with a main and a validation analysis (N = 1,937). The main analysis had 1,697 patients: 323 patients who had HPIs and 1,374 who did not. The validation analysis had 240 patients: 80 patients who developed HPIs and 160 who did not. Researchers used a series of diagnosis codes to define variables associated with an HPI. Data were extracted from the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System for January 2014 to June 2015. Study authors conducted a series of forward stepwise logistic regression analyses for both samples to select the variables that were significantly and independently associated with the development of an HPI in a multivariable setting. Researchers generated a receiver operating characteristic curve using the final model to assess the regression model's ability to predict HPI development. RESULTS: Seven variables were significant and independent predictors associated with HPIs: diabetes mellitus, vascular disease, perfusion issues, impaired nutrition, age, mechanical ventilation, and surgery. The receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated predictive accuracy of the model. CONCLUSIONS: Beyond a risk assessment scale, providers should consider other factors, such as comorbidities, which can predispose patients to HPI development.

Preoperative experience for public hospital patients with gynecologic cancer: Do structural barriers widen the gap?

BACKGROUND: Widespread disparities in care have been documented in women with gynecologic cancer in the United States. This study was designed to determine whether structural barriers to optimal care were present during the preoperative period for patients with gynecologic cancer. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted for patients undergoing surgery for a gynecologic malignancy at a public hospital or a private hospital staffed by the same team of gynecologic oncologists between July 1, 2013 and July 1, 2014. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-seven cases were included for analysis (public hospital, 69; private hospital, 188). Patients treated at the private hospital were older (58 vs 52 years; P = .004) and had similar medical comorbidities (median Charlson comorbidity index at both hospitals, 6) but required fewer hospital visits in preparation for surgery (2 vs 4; P < .001). Public hospital patients had a longer wait time from the diagnosis of disease to surgery (63 vs 34 days; P < .001). According to a multiple linear regression model, the public hospital setting was associated with a longer interval from diagnosis to surgery with adjustments for the insurance status, age at diagnosis, cancer stage, and number of preoperative hospital visits (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients at the public hospital were subject to a greater number of preoperative visits and had to wait longer for surgery than patients at the private hospital. Attempts to reduce health care disparities should focus on improving efficiency in health care delivery systems once contact has been established.

Differentiating a Pressure Ulcer from Acute Skin Failure in the Adult Critical Care Patient.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this learning activity is to provide information regarding the differentiation between pressure ulcers and acute skin failure (ASF) in critically ill patients. TARGET AUDIENCE: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. OBJECTIVES: After participating in this educational activity, the participant should be better able to:1. Describe the purpose, methodology and impact of this research.2. Differentiate the pathophysiology of pressure ulcers and ASF.3. Identify risk factors and diagnostic criteria for ASF. ABSTRACT: To develop a statistical model to predict the development of acute skin failure in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and to validate this model.Retrospective case-control, logistic regression modeling552 ICU patientsIntensive care unit patients with and without pressure ulcers (PrUs) were studied and compared on key variables sorted into the following categories: (1) disease status, (2) physical conditions, and (3) conditions of hospitalization.The variables, peripheral arterial disease (odds ratio [OR], 3.8; P = .002), mechanical ventilation greater than 72 hours (OR, 3.0; P < .001), respiratory failure (OR, 3.2; P < .001), liver failure (OR, 2.9; P = .04), and severe sepsis/septic shock (OR, 1.9; P = .02), were found to be statistically significant and independent predictors of acute skin failure in ICU patients. These variables created a predictor model for acute skin failure in the ICU.Lack of objective criteria to define acute skin failure presents a clinical conundrum for practitioners-the acknowledgment that skin failure exists, but no clear-cut diagnostic criteria in which to support its existence as a result of a paucity of empirical evidence. In certain populations, such as the critically ill patient, the phenomenon of acute skin failure may be occurring, and with the current level of evidence, these ulcers may be incorrectly identified as PrUs. Accurately distinguishing risk factors that lead to a PrU from factors that result in a lesion due to acute skin failure is crucial in the quest to provide evidence-based practice to patients.

Risk factors associated with heel pressure ulcers in hospitalized patients.

PURPOSE: To develop and validate a method of predicting whether patients will develop a heel pressure ulcer during their hospital stay. DESIGN: This retrospective case-control study used 2 separate data sets, one for an initial analysis followed by a second data set for validation analysis. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: From 2009 to 2011, medical records of discharged patients with a DRG code for heel pressure ulcers in our urban, tertiary medical center were retrospectively reviewed. Using age as the matching criterion, we then reviewed cases of patients without heel pressure ulcers. The initial analysis comprised 37 patients with hospital-acquired heel pressure ulcers and 300 without. The validation analysis included 12 patients with heel pressure ulcers and 68 without. METHOD: In order to develop this method of identifying patients with heel pressure ulcers, logistic regression modeling was used to select a set of patient characteristics and hospital conditions that, independently and in combination, predicted heel pressure ulcers. Logistic modeling produced adjusted and unadjusted odds ratios for each of the significant predictor variables. The validation analysis was employed to test the predictive accuracy of the final model. RESULTS: Initial analysis revealed 4 significant and independent predictors for heel pressure ulcer formation during hospitalization: diabetes mellitus, vascular disease, immobility, and an admission Braden Scale score of 18 or less. These findings were also supported in the validation analysis. CONCLUSION: Beyond a risk assessment scale, staff should consider other factors that can predispose a patient to heel pressure ulcer development during their hospital stay, such as comorbid conditions (diabetes mellitus and vascular disease) and immobility.

Late effects in survivors of childhood CNS tumors treated on Head Start I and II protocols.

BACKGROUND: Due to the devastating late effects associated with cranial irradiation in young children with central nervous system (CNS) tumors, treatment for these patients has evolved to include the use of intensive chemotherapy to either avoid or postpone irradiation. While survival outcomes have improved, late effects data in survivors treated on such regimens are needed. OBJECTIVE: This multi-institutional study comprehensively describes late effects in survivors treated on the Head Start I/II protocols. METHODS: Survivors of CNS tumors treated on Head Start I/II protocols were enrolled. Late effects data were collected using a validated parent-report questionnaire. Social, emotional, and behavioral functioning and quality of life were assessed using parent-report on the BASC-2 and CHQ-PF50 questionnaires. RESULTS: Twenty-one survivors (medulloblastoma = 13, sPNET = 4, ATRT = 1, ependymoma = 3) were enrolled. Ten (48%) were irradiation-free. Late effects (frequency; median time of onset since diagnosis) included ≥ grade III hearing loss (67%; 3.9 years), vision (67%; 4.1 years), hypothyroidism (33%; 4 years), growth hormone (GH) deficiency (48%; 4.7 years), dental (52%; 7.1 years), and no cases of secondary leukemia. Irradiation-free (vs. irradiated) survivors reported low rates of hypothyroidism (0/10 vs. 7/11; P = 0.004) and GH deficiency (2/10 vs. 8/11; P = 0.03). The BASC-2 and CHQPF-50 mean composite scores were within average ranges relative to healthy comparison norms. Neither age at diagnosis nor irradiation was associated with these scores. CONCLUSIONS: Irradiation-free Head Start survivors have lower risk of hypothyroidism and GH deficiency. Secondary leukemias are not reported. With extended follow-up, survivors demonstrate quality of life, social, emotional, and behavioral functioning within average ranges.

A rating scale for the functional assessment of patients with familial dysautonomia (Riley Day syndrome).

OBJECTIVE: To develop a reliable rating scale to assess functional capacity in children with familial dysautonomia, evaluate changes over time, and determine whether severity within a particular functional category at a young age affected survival. STUDY DESIGN: Ten functional categories were retrospectively assessed in 123 patients with familial dysautonomia at age 7 years ± 6 months. Each of the 10 Functional Severity Scale categories (motor development, cognitive ability, psychological status, expressive speech, balance, oral coordination, frequency of dysautonomic crisis, respiratory, cardiovascular, and nutritional status) were scored from 1 (worst or severely affected) to 5 (best or no impairment). Changes over time were analyzed further in 22 of the 123 patients who were also available at ages 17 and 27 years. RESULTS: Severely impaired cardiovascular function and high frequency of dysautonomic crisis negatively affected survival (P < .005 and P < .001, respectively). In the 22 individuals followed up to age 27 years, psychological status significantly worsened (P = .01), and expressive speech improved (P = .045). From age 17 to 27 years, balance worsened markedly (P = .048). CONCLUSION: The Functional Severity Scale is a reliable tool to measure functional capacity in patients with familial dysautonomia. The scale may prove useful in providing prognosis and as a complementary endpoint in clinical trials.

Meta-analysis to assess the appropriate endpoint for slow pathway ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia.

BACKGROUND: There are little data on the appropriate endpoint for slow pathway ablation that balances acceptable procedural times, recurrence rates, and complication rates. This study compared recurrence rates of three commonly utilized endpoints of slow pathway ablation for atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT). METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis of AVNRT slow pathway ablation cohorts by searching electronic databases, the Internet, and conference proceedings. Inclusion criteria were age >18 years, >20 human subjects per study, primary AVNRT ablation, English language publication, and >1 month of follow-up. Data were analyzed with a fixed-effects model using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software version 2.2.046 (Biostat, Englewood, NJ, USA). RESULTS: We included 10 studies encompassing 1,204 patients with a mean age of 41-53 years. Endpoints were complete slow pathway ablation, residual jump only, and single remaining echo beat. Pooled estimates revealed 28 of 641 patients (4.4%) with complete slow pathway ablation, 13 of 192 patients (6.8%) with a residual jump only, and 24 of 371 patients (6.5%) with one echo had recurrences. With uniform isoproterenol use after ablation, there was no significant difference in recurrence rates among the endpoints. However, when isoproterenol was utilized after ablation only if needed to induce AVNRT before ablation, a significantly higher recurrence rate occurred in patients with a residual jump (P = 0.002), a single echo (P = 0.003), or the combined group of a residual jump and/or one echo (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Isoproterenol should be used routinely after slow pathway modification, when a residual jump and/or single echo remain.

Association of MDM2 SNP309, age of onset, and gender in cutaneous melanoma.

PURPOSE: In certain cancers, MDM2 SNP309 has been associated with early tumor onset in women. In melanoma, incidence rates are higher in women than in men among individuals less than 40 years of age, but among those older than 50 years of age, melanoma is more frequent in men than in women. To investigate this difference, we examined the association among MDM2 SNP309, age at diagnosis, and gender among melanoma patients. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Prospectively enrolled melanoma patients (N = 227) were evaluated for MDM2 SNP309 and the related polymorphism, p53 Arg72Pro. DNA was isolated from patient blood samples, and genotypes were analyzed by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Associations among MDM2 SNP309, p53 Arg72Pro, age at diagnosis, and clinicopathologic features of melanoma were analyzed. RESULTS: The median age at diagnosis was 13 years earlier among women with a SNP309 GG genotype (46 years) compared with women with TG+TT genotypes (59 years; P = 0.19). Analyses using age dichotomized at each decade indicated that women with a GG genotype had significantly higher risks of being diagnosed with melanoma at ages <50 years compared with women >or=50 years, but not when the comparison was made between women <60 and >or=60 years. At ages <50 years, women with a GG genotype had a 3.89 times greater chance of being diagnosed compared with women with TG+TT genotypes (P = 0.01). Similar observations were not seen among men. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that MDM2 may play an important role in the development of melanoma in women. The MDM2 SNP309 genotype may help identify women at risk of developing melanoma at a young age.

Kinetin in familial dysautonomia carriers: implications for a new therapeutic strategy targeting mRNA splicing.

Familial dysautonomia (FD) is caused by an intronic splice mutation in the IkappaB kinase-associated protein gene (IKBKAP) that leads to partial skipping of exon 20 and tissue-specific reduction of IkappaB kinase-associated protein/elongator protein 1 (IKAP/ELP-1 protein). Kinetin increases IKBKAP mRNA and protein expression in FD cell lines. To determine whether oral kinetin alters IKBKAP splicing in vivo, we administered kinetin to 29 healthy carriers of the major FD mutation for 8 d. Adverse effects, kinetin, and IKBKAP mRNA levels were monitored. In the highest dosing cohorts (23.5 mg/kg/d), the target plasma kinetin level was achieved in 91% of subjects at 2 h. After 8 d, IKBKAP mRNA expression in leukocytes increased as kinetin levels increased. There is a linear association between log plasma kinetin level and corresponding log change from baseline in IKBKAP mRNA expression that allows estimation of IKBKAP mRNA levels because of kinetin ingestion. Adverse effects were transient and mild. This is the first report of in vivo IKBKAP splicing modification and strongly suggests kinetin's therapeutic potential in FD and perhaps in other splicing disorders. Furthermore, our findings support our hypothesis that treatments, which target a particular splicing mutation, can be successfully developed.

Survival after surgery in stage IA and IB non-small cell lung cancer.

RATIONALE: Whether histologic subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has an important effect on prognosis after surgery is unknown. OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that we could predict mortality more effectively by integrating precise tumor size and histology rather than relying on conventional staging. METHODS: We used the SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) registry. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) primary squamous cell or adenocarcinoma; (2) potentially curative surgery, defined as a lobectomy or bilobectomy; (3) lymph node dissection performed; and (4) pathologic stage IA or IB. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: From 1988 to 2000, 7,965 patients were included. For both all-cause and lung cancer-associated mortality, tumor size demonstrated the strongest association (log-rank P < 0.0001 for each). When tumors were small (

Decreased first-trimester maternal serum free-beta subunit human chorionic gonadotropin and preterm birth in twin gestations.

We investigated whether abnormal concentrations of first-trimester free-beta subunit human chorionic gonadotropin (fsshCG) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) are associated with preterm delivery in twin gestations. This was a hospital-based, retrospective study of 70 twin gestations between 11 (1)/ (7) and 13 (6)/ (7) weeks' gestation undergoing first-trimester screening. Free betahCG and PAPP-A multiples of the median were determined by our laboratory standards. Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated that compared the prevalence of very preterm (< 32 weeks), preterm (> or = 32 and < 37 weeks), and term birth (> or = 37 weeks) between the lower and higher percentile groups for each analyte. FsshCG levels < or = 25th percentile were associated with very preterm birth < 32 weeks' gestation (OR 5.10; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19 to 21.95), but not with preterm birth > or = 32 and < 37 weeks' gestation (OR 0.50; 95% CI: 0.16 to 1.61). PAPP-A was not associated with very preterm (OR 2.95; 95% CI: 0.69 to 12.60) or preterm birth (OR 0.71; 95% CI: 0.23 to 2.21). Low first-trimester fsshCG was a strong predictor for very preterm birth in twin gestations. Low first-trimester PAPP-A was associated with a trend in increased risk of very preterm birth.

MRI changes in the "normal" pineal gland following chemotherapy for suprasellar germ cell tumors.

Primary CNS germ cell tumors (GCT) arise in the suprasellar and pineal regions. Suprasellar GCT may remain radiographically occult during the early symptomatic period. Although theoretically possible, it is more difficult to identify presymptomatic disease in the pineal region. Given the sensitivity of GCT to cytotoxic therapy, a decrease in size of the "normal" pineal gland following chemotherapy (CHT) could divulge preexisting disease. Such information may impact radiation treatment (RT). The authors reviewed MRIs of 15 patients with suprasellar GCT treated with pre-RT CHT. They defined a > or =50% reduction in volume of the pineal gland as a substantial decrease suspicious for preexisting occult disease. As controls, MRIs of 11 medulloblastoma patients who received cytotoxic therapy were reviewed. Pineal gland volumes could be determined for 12 of 15 patients with GCT and 7 of 11 patients with medulloblastoma. The study radiologists concurred that 2/12 GCT patients and 0/7 medulloblastoma patients had > or =50% volumetric reduction. When radiation is delivered as the sole treatment modality, the pineal region is included in at least the initial volume, but in certain clinical trials RT volume is reduced to only the suprasellar region if a complete response is achieved following pre-RT CHT. Noting changes in the "normal" pineal gland following CHT may indicate disease. CHT alone may not be sufficient to control this disease, even in cases in which a complete response is achieved. If the intent is to deliver RT to all areas of initial disease and this phenomenon can be demonstrated on a larger scale, inclusion of the pineal should be considered for patients demonstrating a substantial decrease in the size of the pineal gland after CHT.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma: histologic risk assessment, but not margin status, is strongly predictive of local disease-free and overall survival.

To analyze the impact of resection margin status and histologic prognosticators on local recurrence (LR) and overall survival (OS) for patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study was both retrospective and prospective in design. Cohort 1 refers to the entire group of 292 patients with OSCC. The slides from the earliest resection specimens from Cohort 1 were examined in an exploratory manner for multiple parameters. Cohort 2 refers to a subset of 203 patients, who did not receive any neoadjuvant therapy and had outcome data. Cohort 3 represents a subset of Cohort 2 (n = 168) wherein the histologic resection margin status could be reconfirmed. Cohort 4 refers a subset of 85 patients with tongue/floor of mouth tumors. Margin status was designated as follows: group 1, clearance of > or =5 mm with intraoperative analysis, no need for supplemental margins (n = 46); group 2, initial margins were measured as <5 mm during intraoperative frozen section; supplemental resection margins were negative on final pathology (n = 73); group 3, the final pathology revealed resection margins <5 mm (n = 30); group 4, the final pathology revealed frankly positive resection margins (n = 19). The endpoints of LR and OS were queried with respect to T stage, tumor site, margin status, and numerous histologic variables, by Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses. Tumor stage (T) was significantly associated with LR (P = 0.028). Kaplan-Meier analysis for stage and for intraoral site was significantly associated with LR for T4 tumors. The increased likelihood of LR was higher for T4 OSCC of the buccal mucosa (75%), sinopalate (50%), and gingiva (100%) compared with mobile tongue (27%), and oropharynx (13%) (P = 0.013). Margin status was not associated with LR or OS (Cohort 3). This was so when all tumors were grouped together and when separate analyses were performed by tumor stage and oral subsite. No significance was demonstrated when margin status was examined for patients with similar treatment (surgery alone or surgery with adjuvant RT). However, the administration of adjuvant RT did significantly increase local disease-free survival (P = 0.0027 and P = 0.001 for T1 and T2 SCC, respectively). On exploratory analyses of histologic parameters, worst pattern of invasion was significantly associated with LR (P = 0.015) and OS (P < 0.001). Perineural invasion involving large nerves (>1 mm) was associated with LR (P = 0.005) and OS (P = 0.039). Limited lymphocytic response was also significantly associated with LR (P = 0.005) and OS (P = 0.001). When used as covariates in a multivariate Cox regression model, worst pattern of invasion, perineural invasion, and lymphocytic response were significant and independent predictors of both LR and OS, even when adjusting for margin status. Thus, these factors were used to generate our risk assessment. Our risk assessment classified patients into low-, intermediate-, or high-risk groups, with respect to LR (P = 0.0004) and OS (P < 0.0001). This classification retained significance when examining patients with uniform treatment. In separate analyses for each risk group, we found that administration of adjuvant radiation therapy is associated with increased local disease-free survival for high-risk patients only (P = 0.0296) but not low-risk or intermediate-risk patients. Resection margin status alone is not an independent predictor of LR and cannot be the sole variable in the decision-making process regarding adjuvant radiation therapy. We suggest that the recommendation for adjuvant radiation therapy be based on, not only traditional factors (inadequate margin, perineural invasion, bone invasion) but also histologic risk assessment. If clinicians want to avoid the debilitation of adjuvant radiation therapy, then a 5-mm margin standard may not be effective in the presence of high-risk score.

Subphysiologic apolipoprotein E (ApoE) plasma levels inhibit neointimal formation after arterial injury in ApoE-deficient mice.

OBJECTIVE: Apolipoprotein E (apoE) reduces mouse atherosclerosis progression independent of plasma cholesterol level effects. A mouse artery injury model was used to examine whether apoE exhibits beneficial lipid-independent effects on neointimal formation. METHODS AND RESULTS: ApoE-deficient (apoE-/-), wild-type (WT), and transgenic apoE-/- mice (secreting apoE at different levels from adrenal glands) underwent femoral artery injury. Mice with low expression of plasma apoE (0.1% of WT) had cholesterol levels approximately half those of apoE-/- littermates (but still approximately 6x >WT). Mice with higher expression (HE; 2% to 3% of WT) of plasma apoE had cholesterol levels approximately twice those of WT. Injured WT mouse (versus apoE-/-) arteries had a smaller mean intima-to-media (I/M) ratio (0.87 versus 1.96; P<0.05). HE mice tended to have lower mean I/M ratios (1.3; P>0.05 versus apoE-/- mice). Multiple regression analysis indicated that apoE levels were significantly associated with reduced I/M ratios, but plasma cholesterol levels were not, before or after adjusting for apoE. In addition, foam cell content of the neointima and media of injured arteries, a negative prognostic indicator in postangioplasty human lesions, was inversely related to plasma apoE levels. CONCLUSIONS: Similar to its effects on atherosclerosis progression, in a mouse model of restenosis, a subphysiological level of apoE was associated with beneficial effects on lesion size/composition.

Goal-Directed Transthoracic Echocardiography During Advanced Cardiac Life Support: A Pilot Study Using Simulation to Assess Ability.

INTRODUCTION: Goal-directed echocardiography (GDE) is used to answer specific clinical questions that provide invaluable information to physicians managing a hemodynamically unstable patient. We studied perception and ability of house staff previously trained in GDE to accurately diagnose common causes of cardiac arrest during simulated advanced cardiac life support (ACLS); we compared their results with those of expert echocardiographers. METHODS: Eleven pulmonary and critical care medicine fellows, 7 emergency medicine residents, and 5 cardiologists board certified in echocardiography were enrolled. Baseline ability to acquire 4 transthoracic echocardiography views was assessed, and participants were exposed to 6 simulated cardiac arrests and were asked to perform a GDE during ACLS. House staff performance was compared with the performance of 5 expert echocardiographers. RESULTS: Average baseline and scenario views by house staff were of good or excellent quality 89% and 83% of the time, respectively. Expert average baseline and scenario views were always of good or excellent quality. House staff and experts made the correct diagnosis in 68% and 77% of cases, respectively. On average, participants required 1.5 pulse checks to make the correct diagnosis. Of house staff, 94% perceived this study as an accurate assessment of ability. CONCLUSIONS: In an ACLS-compliant manner, house staff are capable of diagnosing management-altering pathologies the majority of the time, and they reach similar diagnostic conclusions in the same amount of time as expert echocardiographers in a simulated cardiac arrest scenario.

Optimal Topical Agent for Radiation Dermatitis During Breast Radiotherapy: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Women receiving radiation to the breast will likely be recommended to use a topical cream to minimize and delay the development of radiation dermatitis. Although many topical products are commercially available and have been tested for safety and efficacy, few studies have compared various products to one another for superiority and cost effectiveness. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this pilot study was to compare three commonly used skin care products prospectively to one other in a homogenously controlled group of women undergoing whole breast irradiation to assess superiority in minimizing the common toxicity criteria grade of radiation dermatitis, effect on quality of life, and cost. METHODS: The authors conducted a systematic review to determine the three types of skin care products with the strongest evidence of minimizing radiation dermatitis. Patients were voluntarily enrolled and randomized to one of three possible skin care topical regimens. Patients completed a quality-of-life survey to assess their preference in topical skin care regimen. The cost of each arm's topical product was assessed at the completion of patient participation. FINDINGS: No statistical difference was noted in the severity or occurrence of radiation dermatitis among the groups. In addition, no statistical difference was found among the three treatment arms in quality-of-life score changes, and no patients required a treatment interruption in their radiation or in the skin care product during treatment. A cost difference among the treatment arms was noted.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Evaluation of Newly Diagnosed Heart Failure With Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction.

The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), cine imaging, and resting first-pass perfusion (FPP) in the evaluation for ischemic (IC) versus nonischemic (NIC) cardiomyopathy in new-onset heart failure with reduced (≤40%) left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF). A retrospective chart review analysis identified 83 patients from January 2009 to June 2012 referred for CMR imaging evaluation for new-onset HFrEF with coronary angiography performed within 6 months of CMR. The diagnosis of IC was established using Felker criteria on coronary angiography. CMR sequences were evaluated for the presence of patterns suggestive of severe underlying coronary artery disease as the cause of HFrEF (subendocardial and/or transmural LGE, regional wall motion abnormality on cine, regional hypoperfusion defect on resting FPP). Discriminative power was assessed using receiver operator characteristics curve analysis. Coronary angiography identified 36 patients (43%) with IC. Presence of subendocardial and/or transmural LGE alone demonstrated good discriminative power (C-statistic 0.85, 95% confidence interval 0.76 to 0.94) for the diagnosis of IC. The presence of an ischemic pattern on both LGE and cine sequences resulted in a specificity of 87% for the diagnosis of IC, whereas the absence of an ischemic pattern on both LGE and cine sequences resulted in a specificity of 94% for the diagnosis of NIC. Addition of resting FPP on a subset of patients did not improve diagnostic values. In conclusion, CMR has potential value in the diagnostic evaluation of IC versus NIC.

The Relationship of Stress and Coping Methods to Adolescent Marijuana Use.

As the use of marijuana among adolescents remains high, more effective interventions are needed. We conducted this cross-sectional survey at an outpatient, university-based, adolescent clinic to determine the prevalence of marijuana use in an inner-city adolescent population and to examine the relationship of stress and coping methods to marijuana user status (never user, experimenter, and frequent user). The subjects were 918 adolescents aged 12-21 years. Lifetime use in this population was 59% (n = 611) with 18.4% (n = 191) reporting frequent weekly use. Almost all (97%) marijuana users acknowledged marijuana use by friends. Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that negative life events, greater use of the negative coping method of anger and less frequent use of the positive coping method of parental support were significantly and independently related to marijuana user status. In the presence of high peer use, exploring parent-child relationships and use of anger coping and intervening accordingly may decrease marijuana use.

EDNRB and DCC salivary rinse hypermethylation has a similar performance as expert clinical examination in discrimination of oral cancer/dysplasia versus benign lesions.

PURPOSE: Promoter hypermethylation has been recently proposed as a means for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) detection in salivary rinses. In a prospective study of a high-risk population, we showed that endothelin receptor type B (EDNRB) promoter methylation in salivary rinses is a useful biomarker for oral cancer and premalignancy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Using that cohort, we evaluated EDNRB methylation status and 8 additional genes. Clinical risk assessment by expert clinicians was conducted and compared with biomarker performance in the prediction of premalignant and malignant disease. Methylation status of 9 genes was analyzed in salivary rinses of 191 patients by quantitative methylation-specific PCR. RESULTS: HOXA9, EDNRB, and deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC) methylation were associated (P = 0.012; P < 0.0001; P = 0.0005) with premalignant or malignant disease. On multivariable modeling, histological diagnosis was only independently associated with EDNRB (P = 0.0003) or DCC (P = 0.004) methylation. A subset of patients received clinical risk classification (CRC) by expert clinicians based on lesion examination. CRC, DCC, and EDNRB were associated with diagnosis of dysplasia/cancer on univariate (P = 0.008; P = 0.026; P = 0.046) and multivariate analysis (P = 0.012; P = 0.037; P = 0.047). CRC identified dysplasia/cancer with 56% of sensitivity and 66% of specificity with a similar area under curve [AUC; 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.60-0.81] when compared to EDNRB and DCC combined AUC (0.60, 95% CI = 0.51-0.69), sensitivity of 46% and specificity of 72%. A combination of EDNRB, DCC, and CRC was optimal AUC (0.67, 95% CI = 0.58-0.76). CONCLUSIONS: EDNRB and/or DCC methylation in salivary rinses compares well to examination by an expert clinician in CRC of oral lesions. These salivary biomarkers may be particularly useful in oral premalignancy and malignancy screening in clinical care settings in which expert clinicians are not available.